Battle Of The Suvs: Toyota Highlander Vs Hyundai Santa Fe – Which One Reigns Supreme?

The Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe stand as prominent contenders in the realm of three-row, family-friendly SUVs. Both vehicles boast a plethora of features, impressive performance capabilities, and a commitment to safety. However, discerning buyers often find themselves grappling with the dilemma of choosing between these two exceptional offerings. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to aid you in making an informed decision.

Performance and Powertrain:

1. Engine Options and Power Output:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers a choice between two potent powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid variant that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a combined output of 243 horsepower.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe provides three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid variant that pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 226 horsepower.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander Hybrid excels in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine variant delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe Hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine variant offers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the base 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort:

1. Seating Capacity and Configurations:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander accommodates up to eight passengers across three rows of seating, with ample headroom and legroom throughout the cabin. The second-row seats offer sliding and reclining capabilities for enhanced comfort.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe also seats up to eight passengers in three rows, providing generous legroom and headroom even in the third row. The second-row seats feature a one-touch folding mechanism for easy access to the third row.

2. Cargo Capacity:

• Toyota Highlander: With all three rows of seats upright, the Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe provides 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 40.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 72.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

Technology and Features:

1. Infotainment Systems:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It also offers a premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers for an immersive audio experience.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim offers a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

2. Safety Features:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of safety features that includes lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Driving Dynamics and Handling:

1. On-Road Performance:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and minimal body roll. The hybrid variant offers a quieter and more refined driving experience.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe provides agile handling and a well-balanced ride, with a firm suspension that ensures stability and control. The turbocharged engine variant offers exhilarating acceleration and impressive passing power.

2. Off-Road Capabilities:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers limited off-road capabilities, with a ground clearance of 8.3 inches and an available all-wheel drive system for improved traction on slippery surfaces.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe provides better off-road capabilities, with a ground clearance of 8.6 inches and an available HTRAC all-wheel drive system that distributes power between the front and rear axles for enhanced traction and control in challenging conditions.

Pricing and Trims:

1. Toyota Highlander:

• The Highlander is available in five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Pricing starts at $34,810 for the L trim and goes up to $49,930 for the Platinum trim.

2. Hyundai Santa Fe:

• The Santa Fe is offered in six trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, XRT, and Hybrid. Pricing starts at $28,980 for the SE trim and goes up to $43,650 for the Calligraphy trim.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious and feature-rich SUV. The Highlander offers a more refined driving experience, better fuel efficiency, and a more extensive list of standard safety features. On the other hand, the Santa Fe provides better off-road capabilities, a lower starting price, and a more comprehensive warranty. Ultimately, the decision between these two SUVs depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Beyond the Comparison: Unveiling the True Essence of the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe

1. Toyota Highlander:

• Key Strengths: The Highlander excels in fuel efficiency, interior space, and overall comfort. It offers a smooth and refined driving experience, making it an ideal choice for long road trips and daily commutes alike.

• Areas for Improvement: The Highlander’s off-road capabilities are limited, and its infotainment system could be more user-friendly.

2. Hyundai Santa Fe:

• Key Strengths: The Santa Fe stands out with its impressive off-road capabilities, lower starting price, and comprehensive warranty. It offers a well-balanced driving experience and a spacious cabin with plenty of cargo room.

• Areas for Improvement: The Santa Fe’s fuel efficiency could be better, and its infotainment system can be somewhat laggy at times.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which SUV has the most seating capacity?

• Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe can accommodate up to eight passengers.

2. Which SUV offers the best fuel efficiency?

• The Toyota Highlander Hybrid provides the best fuel efficiency, achieving up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

3. Which SUV has the most cargo space?

• The Toyota Highlander offers more cargo space than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet compared to 72.1 cubic feet in the Santa Fe.

4. Which SUV has the lowest starting price?

• The Hyundai Santa Fe has a lower starting price than the Toyota Highlander, with a base price of $28,980 compared to $34,810 for the Highlander.

5. Which SUV offers a longer warranty?

• The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a longer warranty than the Toyota Highlander, providing a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty compared to the Highlander’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.